Manchester City defender John Stones has been sent back to his club as a precaution after raising concerns about his fitness on international duty.
England manager Gareth Southgate said that scans showed that Stones does not have any underlying injury but he has felt uncomfortable in training.
While some fans on Twitter are worried about Stones’ situation, many believe it is just a ruse so that the centre-back will be available to play in some crucial upcoming matches:
Pep masterclass once again pic.twitter.com/6QJIQFUovg
— Imran 🇹🇷🇩🇪 (@17King_Kev) March 28, 2022
Good cant have ake starting against liverpool💀
— anzim (@anzim19) March 29, 2022
pep masterclass and city didn’t even play today🔥
— mata🦂🔌🇲🇽 (@mpmata99) March 28, 2022
Oh yeahhhh!!!! Now start him and Ruben together
— Amian (@Naimahh1999) March 28, 2022
YES, THANK YOU
— ai🦖 (@dorkycaloom) March 28, 2022
Big W
— legolas collective (@dreampopconor) March 28, 2022
Beautiful
— *Aditya Chaugule* (@AdityaChaugule) March 28, 2022
Nice!💙
— Nwanneka OmecheMcfc (@nwanneka_omeche) March 28, 2022
It will be interesting to see whether Stones makes the starting lineup when the Citizens take on Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
While teammate Ruben Dias should be nearing a return to action, Stones will still need to play his part so, hopefully, he is just being careful. There is no point risking his fitness in an international friendly, especially with games coming up against the likes of Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.